Public response to Creative Scotland cuts

Following last week’s announcement that Dunedin Consort was to be cut from Creative Scotland’s Regular Funding programme for 2018-21, we have received an enormous swell of support both from the public and the wider arts sector, questioning Creative Scotland’s decision. We include these statements of support below.

Today, Friday 2 February, Creative Scotland’s board will meet to review its decision-making in the wake of a public outcry over cuts to both the music and theatre sectors.

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If you would like you voice your support for Dunedin Consort, you can:

Support for Dunedin Consort

The Dunedin Consort under the inspiring leadership of John Butt has been one of the most successful of all developments on the musical scene in the recent times, gaining a major reputation through its tours and recordings. It has led the early music movement forward into new areas. It is one of Scotland’s best, freshest, most innovative and most distinctive performing arts organisations, and it is absurd to argue that it does not contribute to the thriving cultural strategy of the country. Alongside the country’s other superb arts offers, it gives Scotland an international profile which should be supported and developed.Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director, Barbican Centre

An ill-advised decision by Creative Scotland – Dunedin one of the finest bands in the sector… must be room for a rethink surely.Graham Sheffield, Director Arts for the British Council, former Artistic director of the Barbican Centre

It’s sinister and scandalous that Dunedin Consort has been rejected by Creative Scotland. No Scottish ensemble has a bigger international reputation. Relocate to London. You would get funding here!Richard Morrison, The Times

Tough choices as ever at Creative Scotland, and I don’t envy the axe-wielders, and several deserving organisations lost Regular Funding. But I’m stunned that world-class Dunedin Consort was dropped.Kate Molleson, Journalist for The Guardian, BBC & The Herald

Shocked to hear that Dunedin Consort has been refused funding by Creative Scotland. As a product of Scotland myself (sort-of) I’m so proud of the Dunedins – they’re a(n?) unique group, appreciated worldwide, who offer something very special to the world of music/creativity.Steven Isserlis, Cellist

If they with such superb quality and success cannot win this funding, what hope for other classical organisations in Scotland?Svend McEwan-Brown, Artistic Director, East Neuk Festival

Dunedin Consort is a genuinely world-class ensemble who provide fabulous music making in Scotland as well as acting as cultural ambassadors for Scotland abroad at the highest artistic level. Not regarding them as core to the Scottish Music sector is incomprehensible.James Waters, Director Lammermuir Festival, Creative Director Classical Music Perth Concert Hall, Joint Artistic Director Bath Festival

I owe so much to the Dunedin Consort’s outreach work – I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without John Butt’s inspirational educational work. I wouldn’t have chosen to study music had I not attended his Bach workshops with my mum. Crazy decision from Creative Scotland.Sapphire Armitage, Soprano and Choral Scholar at King’s College London

Almost un-arguably, one of the world’s leading Bach scholars and his incredible musicians, based IN SCOTLAND, loses his subsidy. There is no one like them.James Runcie, Commissioning Editor for Arts on BBC Radio 4

On this glorious Burns night, let’s celebrate all that is perverse in Scotland, such as Creative Scotland’s obscene decision to refuse funding for a world-ranking Scottish product, the award-winning Dunedin Consort. Talk about killing the goose that lays the golden eggs…?Ken Walton, The Scotsman

As co-founder of Dunedin Consort in 1996 I’m so sad and disappointed to read this. “A jewel in Scotland’s musical crown” – what’s happened Creative Scotland?Ben Parry, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain

This is incomprehensible. They’re one of the most creative & imaginative performers of Baroque repertoire anywhere, not just Scotland.Oliver Rivers, Britten Pears Foundation

I am a huge fan of Dunedin Consort – Creative Scotland decision to pull funding is very disappointing.Andrew Henley, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Economics, Director of Research Engagement and Impact, Cardiff University

Devastated for the brilliant Dunedin Consort at today’s news. Seems like scant reward for years of excellent music-making both in concert-halls and in the recording studio. They remain a wonderful ambassador for Scotland.Linn Records

This breaks my heart. Exceptional music making, and one of a kind in this country.Holly Matthieson, Assistant Conductor at the RSNO, Resident Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland

What an unpleasant surprise – this looks like a serious mistake. The Dunedin Consort are outstanding music ambassadors for Scotland.Sandy Burnett, Broadcaster

Whilst [Creative Scotland’s] stated ambition of helping some grassroots projects take hold is admirable, cutting all funding from the likes of Dunedin Consort and their ambitious education projects is counterproductive and embarrassing for the Scottish Arts.Michael Bawtree, Chorus Director Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, Director Glasgow Chamber Choir, Creative and Contextual Studies Tutor Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Totally absurd. Can we support by writing a letter to somebody? Please advise!Concerto Copenhagen

This is absurd. Absolutely terrible decision. I have no doubt that the wonderful Dunedins will come through it stronger somehow.Nicholas Collon, Aurora Orchestra

Really bad decision by Creative Scotland. Dunedin Consort and Hebrides Ensemble always present hugely interesting performances by excellent musicians. Scotland should be doing all we can to encourage and promote these artists. I am appalled and deeply disappointed.Alison Tollick, Chair, Early Music Forum Scotland

Dunedin Consort needs to be raised at this [Creative Scotland board] meeting: they’re internationally renowned, draw audiences to Scotland, and have delivered unique and essential arts programming in Scotland for years. To cut their funding is terribly poor investment planning on behalf of Creative Scotland.Katie de la Matter, Harpsichordist and Researcher